Base holds IAS program briefs March 6

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  • By IAS strategic plans, and programs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Line of the Air Force lieutenants through lieutenant colonels will have an opportunity to learn about the International Affairs Specialist program at a briefing 11 a.m. March 6 in the base theater.

The IAS program enables the Air Force to build a cadre of officers with the skills needed to foster effective relationships with global partners in support of the combatant commanders and the United States' global interests.

"As an expeditionary Air Force, we need Airmen who can function and interact at a professional level with foreign counterparts in foreign lands," said Maj. J. J. Casey, IAS strategic plans and programs chief. "Without these officers, our mission is much more difficult."

IA specialists are key to expeditionary air and space forces conducting global operations and fighting the war on terrorism, Major Casey said. These high-visibility, mainly joint positions require standard three-year assignments in most cases.

The IAS program manages two career specialties: regional affairs strategist and political-military affairs strategist.

RAS officers serve as major command staff officers, international affairs country desk officers, security assistant officers and attachés.

Officers designated for RAS deliberate development will earn a regionally-focused master's degree and complete foreign language training Major Casey said. They gain in-depth international experience and hone their foreign language skills while alternating between primary career field and RAS assignments.

When feasible, RAS officers' primary Air Force Specialty Code assignments occur within the geographic area of RAS specialization, Major Casey said.

This allows them to remain competitive in their core AFSC career while maintaining and improving their foreign language proficiency and regional skills.

The duties of the PAS officers are similar to those of the RAS, however, language skills aren't required for PAS officers.

PAS development begins with Intermediate Developmental Education, Major Casey said. Selected officers acquire a broad knowledge of political-military affairs through developmental education and then serve in at least one developmental assignment to gain political-military experience.

Commanders and senior leaders are encouraged to attend to gain a better understanding of this important program.